The Jewish American Girl

"What makes her Jewish, Mommy?"

Rebecca Rubin, just 18 inches tall, is the latest Jewish girl to hit the scene. She is nine years old and lives on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Rebecca is also the newest American Girl Doll -- its first Jewish historical character, joining Josefina, Addy and Kaya on our multicultural doll shelves. Rebecca's price tag of $95 does not include her accessories like a Shabbat challah, potato latkes for Chanukah and a menorah.

I show my daughter Rebecca's picture on the front page of the New York Times' style section. She is puzzled. "But she doesn't really look Jewish, Mommy? What makes her Jewish?"

Hmm. An interesting question, I think to myself. Apparently one that the company was also faced with:

"A Jewish doll presents her own set of potential pitfalls," the Times reports. "While other dolls represented ethnic backgrounds with distinctive visual characteristics, what constitutes a Jewish girl's appearance is much more open for debate."

Of course not. Jews come in all shapes and sizes and colors. So if we don't possess distinguishable physical characteristics, we must ask ourselves this question: As the Jewish people wander from country to country, confronting various cultures and assimilation, how do we retain our unique identity?

It becomes so easy to get lost.

For today's parents especially, this question must be pondered. We live in a society exploding with a breakdown of moral values. Just the click of a button and our children are exposed to a world devoid of sanctity and respect. Can we transmit our Jewish heritage to the next generation successfully? We are confronted with my daughter's innocent question, "What makes her Jewish, Mommy?"

Growing Up Jewish

I grew up in a community where, for most children, being Jewish meant surviving Hebrew school, eating matzah ball soup, and attending synagogue on the High Holidays. There was not much more to "growing up Jewish."

My siblings and I were known as "the rabbi's children." Every holiday, every Shabbos, was an opportunity for us little ones to reach out to our friends and neighbors. In a place where Judaism was almost invisible, we were visibly connected to our heritage and proud of it. Ours was the home where Judaism came alive.

One Friday afternoon, there was a knock at the door. My mother was just about to light the Shabbos candles. I opened the door and found my younger brother's friend, Michael, standing beside his housekeeper, Maria. He was holding onto Maria's hand.

Michael's mother isn't home to make Shabbos for him.

"Michael was wondering," Maria began, "if you could teach me the blessing for the Shabbos candles? He loves those candles, and his mother is never home to make Shabbos for him. Besides, she doesn't know how. So we were thinking that I could do it."

Michael looked up hopefully and I felt so sorry for this little boy. I was just a child myself but I remember feeling sadness. He wanted to bring Shabbos home. He wanted to watch the candles dance, to sit with his family and bask in the glow of Shabbos. Yet Shabbos remained out of reach. So we did what we could to help, and each week Michael sat at our table -- because his mother was just too busy doing other stuff.

Not Child's Play

Generation after generation, Jewish parents have passed along our tradition. Yet today, tragically, there are hundreds of thousands -- perhaps millions -- of Michaels. Young Jews who barely know they are Jewish, or unequipped to put it into practice.

So what to do?

The first thing is to get the accessories in place: every Jewish home needs to be equipped with basic Jewish texts like a Siddur and a Bible. Put a mezuzah on every door. At holiday time, have the important symbols: build a sukkah in the backyard, and eat matzah the entire week of Passover. And light Shabbos candles every Friday before sundown.

But that's only part of it. After all, Rebecca Rubin -- the Jewish American Girl Doll -- comes with these accessories, too.

To truly succeed, our heritage must be more than lovely accessories or habits taken for granted. We must become serious Jews.

When you genuinely live a life of faith, you absorb it with your entire being. You breathe it with every ounce of your existence. You set aside a regular time for Torah study. Prayer becomes your lifeline. Your soul becomes infused with inspiration.

Featured at Aish.com:

About the Author

Slovie Jungreis Wolff is a noted teacher, author, relationships and parenting lecturer. She is the leader of Hineni Couples and daughter of Rebbetzen Esther Jungreis. Slovie is the author of the parenting handbook, Raising A Child With Soul. She gives weekly classes and has lectured throughout the U.S.,Canada, Mexico, Panama, and South Africa. You can reach slovie at sloviehineni@gmail.com

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 26

(26)
Mary Jane,
May 29, 2011 4:30 AM

Dolls of All Cultures & Religions

I agree with Shua, that any child can take a plain doll and dress it up in her image, or mode of dress. Of course, AmericanGirl Dolls, is a great idea, and is making a lot of money for its creator. $95.00 is a LOT OF MONEY! Nevertheless, I hope the Jewish Doll, is wearing her white tights, and black shoes, and modest in dress, oh yes, don't forget a cute little necklace with the Star of David.

(25)
Rosie G,
July 5, 2009 9:53 PM

Jewish Holidays?

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Sisi (23),
I've read all six books.
In book one, which takes place during the autumn, the family observes Shabbos after a fashion. That is they fry fish, serve soup, the 14 yo daughters Sadie and Sophie (twins) light candles, the 12yo son Victor makes kiddush, somebody makes hamotzi, they forget about the fish, and they eat the soup. Saturday morning, Rebecca goes to the shoe store and handles money.
In book three, they celebrate Rebecca's favorite holiday, Hanukkah. She wear the same dress she had worn for Rosh Hashanah.
But wait, there's more! Shabbos Pesach, she goes to the candy store and listens to new phonograph records and talks with her friend about (1) how they can't eat anything there and (2) why they have to eat special foods for Pesach. Later, she eats kosher l'Pesach sponge cake and other people eat matzah.
And th-th-th-th-that's all, folks!

(24)
Carrisima Jael,
July 3, 2009 4:57 AM

Ethnicity? Is the Doll Azkenazi, Sephardic ? A Holocaust Survivor?

OK -- now we need a stream of Israeli dolls from all over the world. And don't forget the princess

(23)
sisi,
July 1, 2009 4:47 PM

books

I am so glad that AG has finally come out with a Jewish girl doll...
The dolls are somewhat odd in that they all have the same face but different hair (or are tinted to be other races).
What's really great about the dolls is the series of books that they come with, something not mentioned in this article, the books then tie in with the accessories and outfits and are a great way to teach kids about the lives of other children in other times and in other cultures.
I first saw these dolls nearly 15 years ago at the home of every little girl I babysat. Almost all little Jewish girls too!!! The fact that they learn about rationing during WWII or the immmigrant experience. How it would be like to be the child of former slaves, or a little girl who at a young age had to go into "service" as a maid. Somehow it seems that the need to collect and have dolls and their accoutrements plays into a larger scheme of exposing girls to the lives of other girls who may have lived long ago. Yes, the stories are a bit cheesy and simplistic but the first person narrative and the child driven plotlines appeal to younger kids.
So I can't wait to see how they write books about Jewish holidays, keeping kosher, and dealing with people who try to convert you :-)
A quick shill... If you are in NYC go to the TENAMENT MUSEUM. THEY HAVE GREAT TOURS OF IMMIGRANT JEWISH LIFE. BUY TICKETS ONLINE AS THEY ONLY ALLOW TOUR GROUPS INTO THE MUSEUM AND THEY SELL OUT FAST!!!! Same idea as the doll... but for grownups :-)

(22)
Anonymous,
June 11, 2009 11:21 PM

i am wondering why your mother or father never contacted the boy's mother/father. Rather than saying that the mom was too busy and unable to light shabbat candles, you would think someone would have tried to see if she was in fact ignorant and totally unequipped and needing someone to teach her. she needed compassion and caring too. not condemnation.

(21)
Shua,
June 11, 2009 5:03 PM

"Jewish" Doll??

I simply don't get it. I can't believe that anyone (even if they can afford it in these times of economic woe) would spend $95 for a "Jewish" doll. Was Rebecca Rubin "born" (made) by a Jewish mother? Can't people see the absurdity of this? Come on...any doll off the shelf can be a "Rebecca." My 4 year old daughter Tirza, and her friend Zahava, play with their favorite dolls named Aliza and Chaya Miriam. Even my daughter's beloved red teddy bear (cost: $1) is named Shira. The girls' dolls are "Jewish" because their lives are infused with Jewish identity. Aliza has an off-the-shelf wedding dress and becomes a "kallah." The girls have no idea what a "wedding" is, but they sure love pretending to have a "chasunah." The bottom line is that the sense of Jewish identity does not and cannot flow from the doll to the girl. It flows the other way around. By contrast, Rebecca's manufacturers are engaged in a marketing scheme which counts on the willingness of Jewish parents to spend exorbitant sums on substitutes for the real thing. Sadly, all that these parents are buying is an illusion.

(20)
Anonymous,
June 11, 2009 8:55 AM

a note on the books

I too have loved the american girls ,as do my five torah observant daughters, but I was deeply dismayed and yet not surprised that they chose to have this doll's family work on Shabbos. Read the books. Very nice I say to have a Jewish american doll, but would it not have been so much better to have her live like a Jew? Perhaps in the next series we will see her grow up and intermarry!

(19)
Katherine Lipkin,
June 10, 2009 5:39 PM

We have the new Rebecca doll- good teaching tool

We are American Girl fans, and I helped my 8-year-old buy Rebecca Rubin (she paid for over half the cost). Rebecca's overpriced Shabbat set, an extra gift from us, is backordered for 2 months.
I agree that girls are obsessed with these dolls. So, let's work with the obsession. Isn't it great that girls now have a really cool, wonderful new AG doll who is Jewish? The fact that the company is offering this doll means that millions of girls will be learn a bit about Jewish life. Some have heard only negative comments about Jews, and the American Girl imprimatur, for better or worse, adds a lot of status in a kid's eyes. There are also 6 books that revolve around Rebecca. Can't wait to get them for my daughter.

(18)
shayna poupko,
June 10, 2009 3:37 AM

Jewish Lifestyle

The story of Michael was quite poignant. The ability to infuse Jewish values and lifestyle is a lifelong process. One never can stop -- even observant Jews need to keep on learning and striving to improve and perfect our relationship with Hashem.
The Torah is our guide to manuever through the pitfalls, uncertainties, and stumbling blocks of life. It also enhances the everyday mundane and elevates it to a purposeful and meaningful level. We are the Chosen People, it is up to us to choose to make it a living, vibrant reality.

(17)
Shaul,
June 9, 2009 11:46 AM

Being Jewish is beyond religion

Thank you very much for sharing your life experience. I personally do keep kosher, Shabbat, my wife lights candles every Shabbat and holiday, have several Sidurim, Tanachim, Machzorim, Talmud books, etc... but being jewish is not only doing all those things, which as a Jewish believer are indispensable, I cannot think of myself not doing it, but I do think that as long as people connect culturally to Israel, to the historical heritage of being jewish, and of course are ethnically jewish, they are Jewish too. I know many Jewish people that have no connection to religion at all, but their connection to Israel, the holocaust, our history and heritage. So Slovie, I disagree that only those who observe are considered jewish, it's our duty to also understand that in spite of our connection to our beliefs and faith, the state of Israel, our history and heritage are also our the pillars of our culture.

(16)
Anonymous,
June 8, 2009 12:59 PM

22 Jewish Dolls available

Copa Judaica has a line of over 20 Jewish Heritage dolls called the Ellis Island Collection Dolls. These are high quality Jewish dolls that come in every hair color and most skin shades of Jews from around the world. These dolls have been available for over 10 years and can be found at most Judaica stores and online Judaica websites. All the dolls are high quality porcelin and come with accessories. Each one has a distinctly Jewish name. You can match the doll to your daughter or granddaughter either by looks or by name.

(15)
Jason,
June 8, 2009 12:25 PM

The time has arrived.

The plain truth is, in order to be fully connected to G-d the way we should be as jews, then we need to live in Israel. We don't belong here in exile anymore. Either, A) We wait, and hope Moshiach comes soon. or B) We help to advance his coming by making another mass Aliyah. I choose B.

(14)
Miriam,
June 7, 2009 6:48 PM

The "Idol" Store

The first time I visited American Girl Place in Manhattan, I was awestruck. The store had just opened, and it was mid-December--prime shopping time for parents eager to please their children with holiday gifts. As a child I remember learning stories of Avraham and his background--his father''s owned a shop, which my teacher described as an "Avoda Zara store," *or* one that sold idols to the paganist followers of the era. Walking into AGP was walking into an Avoda Zara store! Young girls essentially worship these dolls, begging their parents/grandparents/any other willing friend *or* relative to buy dolls, clothing, and accessories for every possible life event, and to visit the on-site restaurant (girls and dolls can dine together), doll hair salon, and doll hospital. The girls in the store that night were so enraptured by this toy, they could not distinguish the dolls from actual humans.

(13)
Iris Moskovitz,
June 7, 2009 6:32 PM

Truly inspirational letter

I was very fortunate to have been able to read several of Rebbetzin Yungreis's excellent works, and view a wonderful video as well. The apple sure doesn't fall far from the tree. I can see that all the amazing lessons that Slovie learned from her parents are close to her heart. Now she is instilling these lessons to her own children, and thousands more, whom learn from such letters as this one. Yasher Koach, and may Hashem allow you to continue your work Bis 120.

(12)
Allie,
June 7, 2009 6:14 PM

I am a Michael

I'm a Michael too. Holiday for me are a mish-mash of whatever I can figure out how to do, despite my knowledge that my information is incomplete. One problem furthering this is that my partner is not Jewish, which causes other Jewish families to exclude us from celebrating holidays with them (I am welcome - he is not). Despite his interest in observing holidays with me, he's not permitted to Passover celebrations and the like. As a result, we muddle through the best we can. I am afraid that when we have children, they will suffer similarly.
Perhaps another thing we can work on is not expecting fellow Michaels to conform to every standard as a prerequisite of inclusion. That would help those who wish to be more observant the opportunity to be included, so we can learn better how the traditions should be celebrated.

(11)
Barbara,
June 7, 2009 4:08 PM

Finally

I think it is wonderful that there is finally something that Jewish children can really show as something of their own. All other children wear and have different dolls etc. I dont know what took so long but I dont hope this is just the beginning and let us not for get the boys either. Thanks.

(10)
Tobi Kern,
June 7, 2009 3:14 PM

A Touch of Pride

While Jewish girls come in all shapes and sizes, not necessarily looking like Rebecca Rubin, it is refreshing that young girls can feel a sense of pride in a doll that epitomizes their heritage. This doll might lead to increased participation in Jewish culture and celebration of Jewish holidays. It could be a source of pride and a positive influence on a Jewish girl, regardless of the religious level of her family.

(9)
Anonymous,
June 7, 2009 2:08 PM

I thank your daughter for her question and THANK YOU for your wonderful answer!!

(8)
Marc,
June 7, 2009 1:32 PM

Some people do look JEWISH!

Why is it that over and over Jewish people won't admit that we have unique and distinguishing physical characteristics? Yes I know that many Jewish people don't have them and you can't lump all of us under one type of "look" but there are definitely people who have a Jewish look due to their physical features. What's wrong with that???
I think it's something to embrace and be proud of. I don't want to look like the Smith's or the Jones' down the street I am proud to look like the Bernstein's and Blumenthal's.
It's ok for Italians to look Italian, Greeks to look Greek and so on, when can we embrace looking JEWISH!?

(7)
Dan Krieger,
June 7, 2009 12:47 PM

Inspiring

The title of your article caught my attention. I learned from it and enjoyed reading it. Then I saw your name "Jungreis-Wolff". Your mother's book "The Committed Life" is on my bookshelf and is a source of inspiration to my life. You have your mother's gift, to reach and teach Judaism. Now I must go and buy your book. L'Chaim. Dan

(6)
Anonymous,
June 7, 2009 12:44 PM

Rebecca's Jewishness

I had seen this doll last week online. I visited the Mattel site to learn that she had a movie dress that was sleeveless. Since she is supposed to be observant, I told Mattel that this would never happen in the real world. They told me that they had done years of research prior to bringing this doll to market. They should have done a bit more. Sleeveless? I dare say not. In all my experience, I have never seen females of any age without their arms covered for modesty reasons. Any thoughts on this one?

(5)
toby wil,
June 7, 2009 12:43 PM

I asked the same question and I'm 76 years old-inappropriate description

I believe it's inappropriate to have a religious faith included as a doll's description, dolls can be of any material, cotton, plastic, porcelain, it's up to the imagination of the one who plays with it to ascribe any attribute or ethnicity-shame on Mattel

(4)
Georgia,
June 7, 2009 11:32 AM

Great article!

Rebecca Rubin, the little jewish American Girl doll brings so many reminders to the older "little girls" like us Grandmothers and Bubbies. Thanks for giving a step by step way for people to start the Jewish traditions in their homes and hopefully absorb it and live our faith.
Let me say this....Dear little Rebecca Rubin, you may have opened up some memories, minds and hearts as to what it really means to be Jewish. I pray that prayer will become a lifeline for many more and this will help transmit this great legacy to the next generation.
Loved your article. Shalom!

(3)
Carole Clarke,
June 7, 2009 10:33 AM

Lest We Forget

Sad that it becomes so easy to forget who you are by replacing it with things that are essentially meaningless. And yet this child Michael somehow knew what was missing in his life and strove to find it, even if it put his mother in a bad light. That is the strength of God in our lives, working to better us as human beings by following 10 commandments. And if this doll helps children to understand their heritage, then use it. Keep the flame alive, lest we forget.

(2)
Joy,
June 7, 2009 10:03 AM

universal truth

I agree with you. I am a Roman Catholic and see the same thing happening among those children and young adults. The equate "religion" as a place you have to go once a week. Prayer, study and reading Scripture create a relationship between us and the Lord....and that relationship is what gives us our true identity! Your daughter is blessed in you as her mother and example.

(1)
hd,
June 7, 2009 8:31 AM

Gali Girls

As a child I loved the American Girls dolls. I never had one (the prices are outrageous) but I did read all of the books. A year *or* so ago I came across a website for Jewish dolls called Gali Girls. They come with modest clothing and a shabbos table play set. They are a bit less expensive than the American Girls collection.
Either way, I love the idea that American Girls made a Jewish doll. I am a fan and probably always will be.

Since honey is produced by bees, and bees are not a kosher species, how can honey be kosher?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The Talmud (Bechoros 7b) asks your very question! The Talmud bases this question on the principle that “whatever comes from a non-kosher species is non-kosher, and that which comes from something kosher is kosher.”

So why is bee-honey kosher? Because even though bees bring the nectar into their bodies, the resultant honey is not a 'product' of their bodies. It is stored and broken down in their bodies, but not produced there. (see Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 81:8)

By the way, the Torah (in several places such as Exodus 13:5) praises the Land of Israel as "flowing with milk and honey." But it may surprise you to know that the honey mentioned in the verse is actually referring to date and fig honey (see Rashi there)!

In 1809, a group of 70 disciples of the great Lithuanian sage the Vilna Gaon, arrived in Israel, after traveling via Turkey by horse and wagon. The Vilna Gaon set out for the Holy Land in 1783, but for unknown reasons did not attain his goal. However he inspired his disciples to make the move, and they became pioneers of modern settlement in Israel. (A large contingent of chassidic Jews arrived in Tzfat around the same time.) The leader of the 1809 group, Rabbi Israel of Shklov, settled in Tzfat, and six years later moved to Jerusalem where he founded the modern Ashkenazic community. The early years were fraught with Arab attacks, earthquakes, and a cholera epidemic. Rabbi Israel authored, Pe'at Hashulchan, a digest of the Jewish agricultural laws relating to the Land of Israel. (He had to rewrite the book after the first manuscript was destroyed in a fire.) The location of his grave remained unknown until it was discovered in Tiberias, 125 years after his death. Today, the descendants of that original group are amongst the most prominent families in Jerusalem.

When you experience joy, you feel good because your magnificent brain produces hormones called endorphins. These self-produced chemicals give you happy and joyful feelings.

Research on these biochemicals has proven that the brain-produced hormones enter your blood stream even if you just act joyful, not only when you really are happy. Although the joyful experience is totally imaginary and you know that it didn’t actually happen, when you speak and act as if that imaginary experience did happen, you get a dose of endorphins.

These chemicals are naturally produced by your brain. They are totally free and entirely healthy.

Many people find that this knowledge inspires them to create more joyful moments. It’s not just an abstract idea, but a physical reality.

Occasionally, when I walk into an office, the receptionist greets me rudely. Granted, I came to see someone else, and a receptionist's disposition is immaterial to me. Yet, an unpleasant reception may cast a pall.

A smile costs nothing. Greeting someone with a smile even when one does not feel like smiling is not duplicity. It is simply providing a pleasant atmosphere, such as we might do with flowers or attractive pictures.

As a rule, "How are you?" is not a question to which we expect an answer. However, when someone with whom I have some kind of relationship poses this question, I may respond, "Not all that great. Would you like to listen?" We may then spend a few minutes, in which I unburden myself and invariably begin to feel better. This favor is usually reciprocated, and we are both thus beneficiaries of free psychotherapy.

This, too, complies with the Talmudic requirement to greet a person in a pleasant manner. An exchange of feelings that can alleviate someone's emotional stress is even more pleasant than an exchange of smiles.

It takes so little effort to be a real mentsch.

Today I shall...

try to greet everyone in a pleasant manner, and where appropriate offer a listening ear.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...